Wrinkled snake eel

The wrinkled snake eel[2] (Ophichthus rugifer) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).[3] It was described by David Starr Jordan and Charles Harvey Bollman in 1890.[4] It is a marine, tropical eel which is known from the eastern central and southeastern Pacific Ocean, including the Galapagos Islands and the Cocos Islands. It is also speculated to occur in Malpelo Island.[3] It is known to dwell at a depth of 200 metres (660 ft), and inhabits sediments of sand and rubble.[2] Males can reach a maximum total length of 68 centimetres (27 in).[3]

Wrinkled snake eel
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Ophichthidae
Genus: Ophichthus
Species:
O. rugifer
Binomial name
Ophichthus rugifer
Jordan & Bollman, 1890
Synonyms[1]
  • Ophichthys biserialis Garman, 1899

The species epithet "rugifer" is Latin in origin, and refers to the longitudinal striations that can be easily observed on larger specimens.[3] Due to a lack of known threats and observed population decline, the IUCN redlist currently lists the Wrinkled snake-eel as Least Concern.[2]

References

  1. Synonyms of Ophichthus rugifer at www.fishbase.org.
  2. Ophichthus rugifer at the IUCN redlist.
  3. Ophichthus rugifer at www.fishbase.org.
  4. Jordan, D. S. and C. H. Bollman, 1890 (5 Feb.) [ref. 2433] Descriptions of new species of fishes collected at the Galapagos Islands and along the coast of the United States of Colombia, 1887-'88. In: Scientific results of explorations by the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross. Proceedings of the United States National Museum v. 12 (no. 770): 149-183.
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